Post-Easter bunny relief

For decades, it was against Florida law to dye animals, including bunnies, chicks and ducklings. The law was intended to put an end to pink peeps (and other baby fowl) at one time sold for Easter basket treats but then grew up into unwanted barnyard birds.

The law, however, also got in the way of pet groomers who wanted to dye dogs for parades and competitions. So the legislature did away with the law last year, prompting protests from animal rights organizations and some Democratic lawmakers.

Now Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, is backing a move to repeal the repeal of the law and once again make it illegal to dye animals or sell colorized creatures. Sachs’ one-time opponent, former Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, included the dog-dying amendment in an omnibus agriculture bill this year.

Sachs garnered the groomer’s support by adding an exception that would allow pet owners to pamper their pets with special colors. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee approved the measure (SB 650) unanimously this morning, and a similar proposal (851), with the support of several GOP members, is ready for a House vote.